I understand the skepticism, but there’s plenty of scholarly research which says we did. Here’s an easy to read (and fun) overview:
https://www.amazon.com/Virginia-Barbecue-History-American-Palate-ebook/dp/B01KBCJV88/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=4VS6PTZ1NEP0&dchild=1&keywords=virginia+bbq&qid=1630069880&sprefix=vitginia+bbq&sr=8-4